Out and about: With Thanksgiving and Provo shows, Joshua James celebrates new album

Published November 23, 2012 1:01 am

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This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Babies

Spotlight show • Last year Cassie Ramone came to Kilby Court leading Brooklyn noise-pop band Vivian Girls, but this year she's returning with her side project, The Babies. The group began several years ago when she started making lo-fi music just for fun with then-housemate Kevin Morby of the band Woods  although the first time the two had met they argued passionately about the virtues of Courtney Love. With that argument over, the band has gone on to create two albums' worth of lo-fi pop-punk with plenty of guitar buzz and Ramone cooing like Nico to Morby's Lou Reed. There still remains one argument, though. Ramone said in a phone interview that she hates the name of the group, created when she said they seemed like complainers and whiners. It was meant as a temporary placeholder, but now the band is too far along to change it.

When • Sunday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m.

Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), Salt Lake City

Tickets • $8 at 24Tix

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Spotlight show • Rick Estrin & the Nightcats began as Little Charlie & the Nightcats before the former frontman, because of health issues, temporarily retired from touring. The band's blues and jazz music is built upon the foundation of Chicago blues, though virtuoso harmonica player Estrin and his bandmates hail from northern California. When Little Charlie (Baty) decided to retire, he requested that Estrin and the band continue on, Estrin said in a phone interview. Estrin was nervous about the proposition because he considered Little Charlie one of a kind. But once the band got into the groove, he said, "It all fell together. Like it was meant to be." Now that Estrin is happy leading his own band, he no longer regrets once missing a phone call  back in the days before voice mail and answering machines were ubiquitous  from the late Muddy Waters to join Waters' band.

Tickets • $25 (or both nights for $40). Show tickets and dinner reservations required in advance. Call 801-583-8331 to book.

Joshua James

Spotlight show • The American Fork folk-rocker will celebrate the release of his brilliant new album, "From the Top of Willamette Mountain," with two shows at one of his favorite venues. The animated storyteller has just returned from a United Kingdom tour and plans to spend a few days around Thanksgiving with his family on their Utah farm (named Willamette Mountain) before launching a U.S. tour. In a 10 a.m. phone interview this week, James said he had just returned from a rock climb and was preparing to harvest the last carrots out of his garden in preparation for the holiday feast. He also said he was baking a batch of vegan pumpkin brownies, "trying to keep my life jolly for the season." Unlike most musicians, he's an early riser and makes breakfast for his wife every morning. The biggest problem Americans have, he asserts, is multitasking; he works to focus his full attention on one thing at a time. Next up on his schedule: feeding the goats.

When • Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m.

Where • Velour Live Music Gallery, 135 N. University Ave., Provo

Tickets • $12 at 24Tix.com; $2 discount with a presale ticket on the purchase of an album or vinyl at the show

The singer-songwriter is touring to promote her latest indie release, "Chesapeake."

When • Friday, Nov. 23, 9 p.m.

Where • The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets • $15 at thestateroom.com

Twiztid's The Abominationz Tour

The concert will feature a headlining performance from Twiztid, the hip-hop duo promoting its new release, "Abominationz," as well as performances by Hed PE, Lil Wyte and Potluck.

When • Friday, Nov. 23, 6 p.m.

Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $20 at SmithsTix

R3hab

Dutch DJ and producer R3hab will perform with opening sets by DJ:K and Lowpress.

When • Saturday, Nov. 24, 9 p.m.

Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $20 at SmithsTix

The Faceless

The death metal band performs on its The Deconsecrate The Nation Tour, with guests Revocation and The HAARP Machine.

When • Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6 p.m.

Where • Mojos Ogden, 2210 Washington Blvd., Ogden

Tickets • $14 at SmithsTix

Walk the Moon

The members of this Ohio-based indie rock band  lead singer Nicholas Petricca with bassist Kevin Ray, guitarist Eli Maiman and drummer Sean Waugaman  paint their faces before every show.

When • Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m.

Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court (330 West), Salt Lake City

Tickets • $12 at 24Tix

Yellowcard

The punk-inspired quintet Yellowcard formed in Jacksonville in 1997 and comprises vocalist-guitarist Ryan Key, vocalist-violinist Sean Mackin, guitarist Ben Harper, drummer Longineu Parsons and bassist Warren Cooke. The band had hits with "Ocean Avenue" and "Way Away." The Wonder Years and We Are the In Crowd will also perform.

When • Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m.

Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $22 at SmithsTix

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